Urethrorectal Fistulas in Dogs: Clinical Features, Imaging Characteristics, and Postoperative Outcomes in Nine Cases

Abstract:

Background: Urethrorectal fistulas have been rarely described in dogs and clinical features have not been reported. Hypothesis/

Objectives: To describe 1. clinical features of dogs with urethrorectal fistulas, 2. image-guided techniques to improve fistula localization during surgical correction, and 3. outcome following surgical correction. Animals: Nine client-owned dogs.

Methods: Retrospective study. Signalment, diagnostic imaging findings and outcomes of surgical correction were recorded from medical records of dogs with urethrorectal fistulas presenting to UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 2015 and 2025.

Results: Nine dogs were identified. All dogs were male; 6 were neutered and 3 were intact. Breeds included French bulldog (5), English bulldog (2), terrier mix (1) and dachshund mix (1). All dogs had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). During urine voiding, urine was visualized exiting from the rectum in 3/9 dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography identified emphysematous cystitis in 3/9, cystolithiasis (1/9) and prostatic abscessation (1/9) dogs. All dogs underwent surgical correction. Pre-operative urethroscopy and fluoroscopy were utilized in 8/9 dogs to identify the fistula and improve surgical localization. Post-operatively, 7/9 dogs had resolution of lower urinary signs. One dog had persistent urinary incontinence which improved with administration of phenylpropanolamine. One dog had recurrence of signs 3 weeks after surgery, and further diagnostic imaging revealed a second urethrorectal fistula that was not previously visualized, which was subsequently surgically corrected. Conclusions and clinical importance: Urethrorectal fistulas should be considered in young male dogs, particularly French bulldogs, presenting with recurrent UTI. Surgical correction was associated with favorable outcomes.